Failure in Philadelphia?

A Novel of the Constitutional Convention

By: Catherine McGrew Jaime

Narrated by: Alexander Parrish

It's the hot, miserable summer of 1787 in Philadelphia. Will the delegates at the Grand Convention succeed or fail at their mission? Will they amend the Articles of Confederation as instructed? Or are they up to something else? Our tale is brought to us by Henry, a young man from Britain who has been tasked with keeping an eye on what the delegates are up to. He is certain they cannot accomplish what they came to Philadelphia to do!

Historical fiction - this novel is written at a Young Adult level, but has been enjoyed by adults as well as students.

©2017 Catherine McGrew Jaime (P)2017 Catherine McGrew Jaime

Quick

I got this ARC via audiobook boom. I listen to the whole story in one setting. I find it so hard to believe that the people who attended this convention and were sworn to secrecy talked so freely during dinner. When a serving person walks up most conversation stops but this guy kept showing up for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. He also followed them around. If they were so smart why did they not wonder why he was always there? The narration was the best part of the story. I believe that the facts were presented fairly accurately but I found it hard to believe that this serving person could gain so much knowledge while serving people. But this is a fictional account of the story.

Although it is intended for teens . . .

This was an enjoyable and light listen as to what might have been going on in the background of our country's formative times. One of the things that occurred to was, although the story is being told by a British youth (indentured servant), it is really told from the perspective of a spy. Regardless, the story is brilliantly narrated by Alexander Parrish with any number of different voices and inflection. What a great way to listen and learn about American history . . . I highly recommend it for teens, young adults, and adults that aren't serious history buffs but looking for an entertaining listen.

A review copy audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in return for this unbiased review. My hope is that this review helps in your decision to obtain this book.

Historically Accurate!

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

I loved this book! It is written from the perspective of Henry, a British man sent to keep an eye on the Constitutional Convention delegates. It was really interesting to see the terms of what would eventually become the Constitution from the outside, from the perspective of somebody who represented the vast majority of America. It was historically accurate, which I loved and it was well written. Well worth a read.

Fun way to learn more about history

An interesting story that captured my attention from the first chapter! This is my first book to listen to on Audible. I loved it! Lots of historical details in the story to keep me interested. Would be good for ages 7 and up. Can’t wait to listen to more from this author!

Failure in Philadelphia

My children
My children , ages 11 - 17, and I very much enjoyed this book. Well written and researched. Mrs. Jaime did not disappointe in her efforts to interest her readers in the subject of American history.